Kaduna Polytechnic Alumni Association (KPTAA) today distributed food items to over hundred members of the Alumni.
The occasion marks the first phase of distribution of palliatives to members of the Alumni and host communities .
Speaking during the flag-off of distribution at Kaduna Polytechnic ,Main Campus ,Tudun-Wada,Kaduna State on Thursday, President of the Alumni Association said the decision to embark on the humanitarian gesture was to help cushion effects of the Lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging the world .
According to the President ,the Alumni Association understands the devastating effects of the Lockdown ,hence will not relent in its efforts to support those in dire need during this period .
His words: ” In bid to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 Lockdown on our members and host communities ,we resolved to mobilise resources from those capable in the Alumni and indeed our friends ,who have the capacity to assist .
“We decided to give assistance and support those who are less privileged amongst the Alumni Association as well as the Kaduna Polytechnic host communities.
“Kaduna Polytechnic is old ,it has produced several thousands of students .Our consideration is first for those who financially incapable and where even those capable have become incapable due effect of the Lockdown,it has become expedient .
“The Exco resolved to set up a Covid-19 Relief Outreach Committee to mobilise resources and purchase food items and other relief materials for onward distribution .
“As the head of the family ,there is need to make provisions for the family first before extending gestures to neighbours .It is against this background that we commenced the first phase of the distribution of palliatives to our Alumni members and in second phase ,the members of the host communities in all our campuses .”
On efforts made to mobilise the resources , Hon Anas explained ; ” We have written letters to several corporate organisations and individuals of repute for support .We use this medium to appeal to them to support the Alumni and donate generously. This will enable us reach out to more members of our host communities .
He however disclosed , “Beneficiaries in the first phase are 105 members of the Alumni, but our target is five thousand beneficiaries altogether .”
The Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic ,who was represented by the Director, Kaduna Polytechnic Advancement, Dr. A.O.Lawal commended the Alumni Association for what he described as “Laudable and timely ” gesture .
The elated Rector also commended the decision to first give the palliatives to Alumni members ,stressing , ” No matter how small the food items might be ,”Charity they say begins at home ” and it should be appreciated by the beneficiaries .
He however, charged the newly elected Alumni Exco to embark on mass registration of members ,especially the influential ones in Abuja and other parts of country .
He emphasised ,” It is only when you have them on board that the Alumni can grow and do exploits”
One of the beneficiaries , Favour Galadima interviewed by journalists shortly after the distribution expressed joy over the gesture .
She said: ” I have not checked the bag ,but from the weight ,I am sure the food items would be enough to two weeks close-up hunger gap caused by the Lockdown due to Coronavirus .
